Please contact the Parish Office before making any wedding arrangements to enquire about available dates and the Marriage Preparation Programme.

We are delighted that you are considering celebrating your marriage at St Thomas’ Anglican Church, Linden. Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments in your lives together. It is not only a joyful celebration with family and friends but also a sacred occasion in which you make your lifelong promises before Almighty God and His Church.

Marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts. In the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, a man and a woman enter into a lifelong covenant of faithful love, companionship and mutual support. Together they promise to love, honour and cherish one another for the rest of their lives, trusting in God’s grace to strengthen them through every season of marriage.

Marriage is an Act of Worship

A Christian wedding is first and foremost an act of worship. The focus of the service is not simply the couple, but God, who is the author of love and the one who blesses and strengthens every Christian marriage.

During the Marriage Service, the bride and groom exchange their vows before God, their families, and the gathered congregation. The couple are the ministers of the sacrament as they freely make their promises to one another. The Church, represented by the priest, together with the congregation, bears witness to these vows and prays for God’s blessing upon the marriage.

Our prayer is that your wedding day will not only be a beautiful celebration but also the beginning of a lifetime of faithful Christian marriage.

Preparing for Marriage

Preparing for your wedding involves much more than organising flowers, music and photographs. While these details are important, our primary concern is helping you prepare for married life together.

A strong Christian marriage does not happen by chance. It is built on love, trust, forgiveness, communication, shared faith, and a commitment to grow together in Christ.

For this reason, all couples marrying at St Thomas’ are required to participate in a Marriage Preparation Programme with one of the clergy. During these sessions you will explore topics such as:

• Christian Marriage and the Anglican understanding of Holy Matrimony.
• Communication and healthy relationships.
• Conflict resolution and forgiveness.
• Finances and stewardship.
• Family life and parenting.
• Spiritual growth as a couple.
• Prayer and worship within the home.

Where appropriate, couples may also be encouraged to attend recognised relationship enrichment programmes such as FAMSA PREPARE or Alpha.

We also encourage couples to worship regularly at St Thomas’ before their wedding and to become active members of the parish community. Marriage flourishes best when it is supported by a community of faith.

Who May Marry at St Thomas’?

Holy Matrimony is celebrated for couples who intend to live their married lives within the Christian faith.

Normally, at least one member of the couple should be a baptised Christian and an active worshipping member of St Thomas’ Anglican Church or another Anglican parish.

The Marriage Service is celebrated according to the Anglican Prayer Book, and one of the clergy licensed to St Thomas’ will ordinarily officiate.

If you have particular requests regarding music, readings, visiting clergy, or any other aspect of the service, these should be discussed with the officiating priest during your preparation meetings.

Planning Your Wedding

Once your wedding date has been confirmed, the clergy will assist you in planning the service, including:

• Scripture Readings.
• Hymns and Music.
• Prayers.
• The Order of Service.
• Any appropriate personal touches consistent with Anglican worship.

The Parish Office will provide guidance regarding fees, church bookings, and practical arrangements.

Flowers and Decorations

St Thomas’ is first and foremost a place of Christian worship. We ask that all decorations reflect the dignity and sacred nature of the Church.

Flowers are welcome, although they should be discussed with the Parish Office in advance.

Please note:

• Flowers may not be placed on the Holy Altar.
• Decorations should not damage church furniture or fittings.
• Pew decorations should be secured using ribbon only.
• Flowers normally remain in the church for Sunday worship following the wedding.

Please note that no weddings during Advent and Lent.

Photography and Video Recording

Photography and video recording are welcomed provided they do not distract from the worship or interfere with the solemnity of the service.

Photographs may normally be taken:

• As the bridal party enters.
• During the signing of the Marriage Register.
• As the couple leaves the church.

Photographers and videographers should avoid entering the Sanctuary during the Marriage Service and should follow the guidance of the officiating priest.

Confetti

To help care for our church property and grounds, confetti is not permitted. Natural flower petals or biodegradable alternatives may be used outside the church with the permission of the clergy.

Wedding Rehearsal

A rehearsal is normally held during the week before the wedding. The bride and groom, bridal party, readers, parents, and anyone taking part in the service should attend. This helps ensure that everyone feels comfortable and allows the service to proceed prayerfully and smoothly.

Legal Requirements

Before the wedding, the following documentation will normally be required:

• Certified copies of the identity documents or passports of both parties.
• Certified copies of the identity documents of the two witnesses.
• Any documentation required by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Where applicable, documentation relating to previous marriages, divorce, widowhood, or an Antenuptial Contract.

If either party has previously been married and their former spouse is still living, the marriage may require the permission of the Bishop in accordance with the Canons of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa. This process should begin well in advance of any proposed wedding date.

Wedding Fees

The parish has approved fees covering the use of the venue and the services provided for your wedding. A detailed quotation will be provided by the Parish Office, and payment should normally be completed prior to the wedding date.

We Look Forward to Welcoming You

Marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts, and it is our privilege to walk alongside couples as they prepare for this sacred commitment. If you are considering marriage at St Thomas’ Anglican Church, Linden, please contact the Parish Office to arrange an initial meeting with one of the clergy. We look forward to helping you prepare not only for your wedding day but, more importantly, for a joyful and faithful Christian marriage that will last a lifetime.